Ettalong ferry: Operators say channel still too dangerous

FERRY operators will have another crack at getting through the treacherous Ettalong Channel any day now in the hope of resuming normal services next week.

The Ettalong to Palm Beach ferry could resume next week. Picture: Mark Scott

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FERRY operators will have another crack at getting through the treacherous Ettalong Channel any day now in the hope of resuming normal services next week.

Following a story by the Express Advocate earlier this week, Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch has released a statement today saying the dredging of the channel is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

He said Fantasea Cruising completed a trial run in the channel, which indicated the area needed additional dredging in some areas.

“The ferry is expected to resume passenger service as early as next week, while the dredge will move to the entrance of the channel to start work on widening it to slow sand flows,” Mr Crouch said.

Previous dredging works at Ettalong channel. Picture: Peter Clark

“To date, around 15,000 cubic metres of sand has been removed.”

A spokesperson from Fantasea Cruising confirmed they would run another trial any day now.

“There are still a few areas that require further dredging before we can safely resume our regular service,” the spokesperson said.

“Pending the success of this week’s dredging, we hope to be back to normal operations next week.”

Emergency dredging has been running for almost two months, with locals keen to see Ettalong and Wagstaffe ferry services back up and running.

Services to Ettalong and Wagstaffe were cancelled on May 8 due to dangerous conditions of the channel. On May 21, NSW Lands Minister Paul Toole announced emergency dredging to remove 20,000 cubic metres of sand.

Wagstaffe Public Wharf. Picture: Sue Graham

The cancellation has taken its toll on local businesses, with Ettalong Diggers chief executive officer Bill Jackson saying many businesses had been gravely affected by the drop in customers.

“We are aware of, deeply empathise and share the hardships and inconvenience facing many of the Central Coast businesses and residents,” an earlier Fantasea statement said.

“Fantasea management are working hard behind the scenes doing the best we can to expedite further dredging required.”

A third public meeting on the issue was held last week at Ettalong Diggers, with more than 300 residents attending, along with local councillors.

Taylor Martin and Adam Crouch recently announced $2.45 million for the 50/50 Rescuing Our Waterways Funding. Picture: Sue Graham

“The 325 people present at last night’s meeting were very irate that other members of council and members of the NSW State Parliament could not take the time to be present at our meeting and afford us the pleasure of an update on the emergency dredging,” Mr Jackson said.

“From last night’s meeting it became abundantly clear that there is very little information available about the current state of play.”

The meeting called on council and the NSW State Government to work together on a long term plan for access to Brisbane Water from Broken Bay, and beachfront preservation for the beaches fronting Broken Bay and Ettalong Channel.